3/28/2014 12:45 PM PDT

The Eagles' decision to drop star receiver DeSean Jackson might be connected to a photo TMZ Sports posted of the receiver throwing a gang sign -- but Jackson is now adamantly denying any gang affiliation.

Releasing Jackson seems odd because he had a career season last year -- but a recent NJ.com report said the Eagles were concerned he might have ties an LA. gang known as the Rollin' 40s crips.

Those concerns had to heightened by the pic we posted last month of DeSean posing in Philadelphia with rapper Nipsey Hussle -- who is a Crip -- and throwing up a Crip gang sign.

Almost immediately after he was cut today ... DeSean released a statement saying, "I am not and never have been part of any gang."

He added, "I am not a gang member and to speculate and assume that I am involved in such activity is reckless and irresponsible."

Question now is ... will front office execs at other NFL team believe DeSean's words or their own eyes?